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A few weeks ago, a former student emailed me. The subject line was “A book you have to read!” The book in question? Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty. I picked up a copy the next time I was at the local bookstore. I started the Challenge with this book because my student swore it would be the best summer read. Boy, was she right!

The atmosphere in this book is picture-perfect. Jenny Han draws you in and the atmosphere is palpable. While reading, I could almost feel the cool breeze off the ocean, the sand between my toes, and the sun on my face. It’s the perfect summer read.

Belly, who wishes everyone would treat her like a grown-up and call her by her real name, Isabelle, measures her life in summers. Winter is just a countdown to the time she can go back to the beach and the beach house. Everything important in her life has included Susannah, Conrad, and Jeremiah. Conrad and jeremiah are the boys that Belly has known since her before she was born. They are her brothers, her best friends, and the love(s) of her life. But this summer, everything is changing.

I loved this book. And I am crossing my fingers that Jenny Han will be writing a sequel! The last few pages had me teary-eyed and reading faster than I could imagine- I was dying to know how it would turn out! Now I am dying to know what happens next and if it all works out.

If you are looking for a great beach read, I highly recommend this one. And how much do I love the cover?!

2 Responses

I started this book, but hadn’t finished before the 48hbc. Probably should get back to it since Jenny is coming to DC area next weekend for a signing. I’m going with some of my Girl Scout girls since we talked about Shug in our summer book club last year.

I read this book last week & adored it – like you, I could smell the suntan lotion as I read.

And there’s good news… I dropped Jenny a note on Twitter when I finished reading, dying to know if there was ever a draft that ended with a different guy (that’s not spoilery, is it?). Her response: No, but this book is part of a trilogy, so the story will continue. Yay!!